Boji's Stock Offer and Ground Alpha Tour
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Special Project Designator: Baek Jaesung 8
"Let me cut straight to the chase. What can you offer me?"
I asked point-blank. A smile crept across Lisa's lips, as if she'd been waiting for my question. She replied with a relaxed expression.
"A ten-year exclusive contract with stock options. We'll give you 10% of our company's shares."
Stock means the higher the company's value climbs, the bigger my payout. It's a classic tactic promising companies use to snag top talent.
But it wasn't all that appealing to me. Ten years was an eternity for a contract. Did they really think they could lock me down with shares in a company of uncertain worth?
"Have you gone public yet?"
"No. Boji Entertainment is a private company. But if we land the contract from the Association, we could list on Nasdaq."
She painted a rosy picture of the future, but who knew what tomorrow might bring?
"Honestly, it's not a very enticing offer."
I said it straight. Someone like Lisa would understand where I was coming from. She nodded.
"Of course, I know it's not enough to tie down a star like Mr. Baek. If we can work out a smooth contract, we'll support you to the fullest. The minimum terms would be shooting once every two months or so. We'll pay additional incentives per shoot, and that could change down the line."
"Hmm..."
"We're planning similar deals with your other party members."
No matter how I sliced it, there was no upside for me.
"Well, then..."
"Hey, no rush to decide right now! Take your time. There's plenty of time left. Plus, who knows how things will shake out with the Association—rushing into it could lead to regrets."
As I started to voice my refusal, Lisa clapped lightly and stood up. She'd read my face and knew no positive answer was coming.
Well, I can always turn it down later. Maybe check out other companies' offers first?
She was right— the choice was mine, so no need for hasty decisions. I nodded.
"Sure."
"If you warm up to the idea, give me a call or email. Here's my card."
Lisa handed over a crisp business card. It read 'Boji Entertainment CEO Lisa Boji.' I couldn't help but chuckle.
After wrapping up with Lisa, we left the company. Jisu and Jueun peppered me with questions about the terms.
"Stock options? Hmm. Think it'll work out?"
"Who knows? I like that they'll prioritize our convenience. No matter how much cash they throw at us, constant meddling is a total turn-off."
"True that."
"Anyway, where to next? Since we're in the States, might as well do some sightseeing."
At my words, Everett grinned wide.
"Want to check out the American Hunter Association?"
"The American Hunter Association? Oh, now that's tempting."
I nodded, and Everett clapped, pulling out his smartphone. He dialed someone—probably at the Association.
"Do they even allow tours?"
Murray answered.
"Not for just anyone, but with a reservation or if you're a hunter like us, yeah. It's worth seeing. One of LA's top tourist spots."
Everett finished booking over the phone, and we hopped in a taxi headed for the Association. Everything in America was huge, and cruising those wide roads felt refreshing.
As we entered the downtown packed with skyscrapers, a surprisingly open area with fewer high-rises appeared. The map showed it was smack in the heart of LA.
"This area's its own administrative district in LA. They call it 'Ground Alpha.' The whole zone—size of four college campuses combined—is the American Hunter Association."
Murray explained.
"Whoa~! That's incredible!"
Jueun marveled at the vast expanse visible beyond the taxi window. Unlike Korea's single massive tower, the American Hunter Association looked like a huge university campus.
It was ringed by chain-link fences like a military base, but the massive buildings inside were clearly visible. Our taxi pulled up at the main gate.
Murray and Everett led the way. Real soldiers in uniform stood at the gate, rifles slung over shoulders and pistols at their hips. Loaded with live rounds? Par for the course in America.
A sunglassed guard approached. He snapped a sharp salute and spoke.
"State your business."
Murray replied.
"Tourism. Here's our confirmation."
He showed a QR code on his phone. The guard scanned it and nodded.
"Brief search before entry. Step onto the security scanner, please."
He pointed to an airport-style machine at the entrance. We went through one by one—no issues.
"Enjoy your tour."
He saluted crisply again. Wonder if I'd be doing that after enlisting? Eh... who knows.
Surprisingly, plenty of other tourists around. We got ID badges like employee tags labeled 'Tourist Pass.' The guard issuing them stressed not to remove them during the tour.
"A guide should be along soon. I booked one too."
"Wow, America really does this stuff."
The mark of an advanced nation? I scanned the sprawling Association grounds. Enormous buildings dotted the area at regular intervals.
Each had its own flair. The first was a dome like a museum. There were rectangular dorm-like ones, clusters of small buildings linked by walkways. Felt like a theme park.
As we gawked, a mini limo glided up smoothly. It stopped a few steps ahead, and the door opened.
"Thank you for waiting."
A tall woman in a suit stepped out. She bowed to us. Neatly pulled-back hair, lightly tanned skin—a Latina with striking looks.
Not just sexy, but those pants straining over an incredible ass. I half-wanted to smack it.
Damn, what a prime breeding hips type. Wanna fuck her raw.
I swallowed hard. She opened the door to her mini limo.
"Please, hop in. I'll show you around."
"Whoa, this level of service standard?"
Murray shrugged at my question.
"It's the $1,000 tour package."
Ah, got it. Worth every penny, then.
We piled in. Mini fridge inside. The driver was a buzzcut white guy.
"First stop: the Association Memorial Hall. It houses exhibits of Hunter Association artifacts—over 50,000 items in storage. About 5,000 on display quarterly. Every two years, special exhibits show over 20,000 at once, but unfortunately, this isn't one of those times, so fewer pieces."
The limo stopped at the dome I'd spotted first. We headed inside. The drinks from the fridge were surprisingly good. I sipped one as we walked.
"Whoaaa! The ceiling's insanely high!"
Jueun gaped upward. She was right—even a full jump wouldn't reach it. The hall was divided into four sections.
Exhibits boasted Association history, gear from famous dungeon hunters, rare monster parts. The guide explained eagerly; I translated for Jisu and Jueun.
"Ah! Is that...!?"
Jisu pointed at an exhibit. The guide nodded and spoke.
"The horn of the Thunder Dragon 'Astrapé.' A named monster from an ocean dungeon in the Pacific."
Astrapé. Rang a bell somewhere.
"The open ocean dungeon 'Graveyard of Ships' sank over a hundred fishing and merchant vessels—a nightmare. To take down its named boss Astrapé, the Korean and American Hunter Associations teamed up. A party of seven 1st-rank dungeon hunters succeeded. This is the trophy."
The horn stretched over 3 meters, vivid ivory with lightning-net-like etchings on the surface.
"Astrapé had two horns. The other is held by the Korean Hunter Association."
If it took a swarm of 1st-rank dungeon hunters, the raid difficulty was at least 1st-rank. Maybe higher.
"How much is that worth?"
Tacky question, but curious. The guide smiled like she'd heard it a million times.
"Hard to put a price on. It'd grant immense power to lightning-affinity ability users. The energy alone equals a year's worth of LA's electricity. Of course, safely stored like this, no discharge."
Impressive.
"This way, please."
We toured on. So much to see—even a quick look took an hour.
"Next: Rose Garden Park. A beautifully landscaped spot. You'll love it."
We boarded the limo again. I grabbed another drink from the fridge. This stuff was killer. Stock up before heading home. Paired with jelly donuts? Perfection.